On September 4, 2024, a federal judge extended the temporary pause on President Biden’s “Keeping Families Together” policy, which aims to provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. The pause, now in effect until at least September 23, prevents USCIS from approving applications under the program, although they can still accept them.
To qualify for the program, individuals must have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least 10 years, be married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024, and have no disqualifying criminal history or security threats. Applicants must submit a Form I-131F with a $580 fee and provide evidence of their continuous presence in the country.
The lawsuit, led by 16 Republican-led states, claims the policy is unconstitutional, and the court is taking additional time to review the case. Despite the pause, eligible individuals can still submit their applications without penalty. This extension is a critical period for both applicants and the legal system, as it allows more time to assess the program’s legality without irreversible consequences.
This temporary block on the “Keeping Families Together” program has created uncertainty for many families, but it’s important to know that you can still take steps toward your immigration journey. While the court decides on the next steps, submitting your application now could save valuable time once the pause is lifted.
At Rahimi Law Firm P.C., our legal team is dedicated to helping families stay together and achieve their immigration goals, no matter the challenges. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
